Come Explore Princeton

Come Explore Princeton

Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains where the Similkameen and Tulameen Rivers meet is the town of Princeton. Stop in at the Visitor Centre for maps and information; they even have a Gold Reserve Map for public places to pan for your own nuggets. Taking a walk through time in the first-rate Museum is a must do on your Princeton visit. Princeton’s small town hospitality has everything to offer, family owned restaurants, coffee/tea bistros, and accommodations from motel to cabin to B&B to recreation sites. “Stay and Play” at the Princeton Golf Club, a gorgeous eighteen-hole, par 72 golf course with an RV site or in the winter X-country ski or snowshoe the 55km of trails at the China Ridge Recreation area.

In summer, mountain bikers will enjoy the Kettle Valley Loop from downtown Princeton up to China Ridge to explore the trails and back to Princeton on the KVR. For more information on this trail system go to www.chinaridgetrails.com.

The KVR is multi-use in many areas with ATVs becoming increasingly popular but there is no ATV access through the Town of Princeton.

One of the most spectacular sections of the KVR runs through the valley of the Tulameen River, with plenty of birds, flowers, mammals and minerals to view, it parallels the ever changing seasons of the River. From downtown Princeton travel West through the 1000 ft. tunnel, built in 1910, and over the old train bridge. At the Ochre Bluffs, 3km from Princeton, you will find red vermilion or ochre used by the Similkameen people to produce pictographs and war paint. Travel another kilometer you will find prominent hoodoos, which are natural stone pillars shaped by erosion from wind and water. Continue to travel west along the pristine River and explore the valley to Coalmont and on to Tulameen. This breathtaking section of the Kettle Valley Railway is a flat easy grade to hike or bike.

To the East, cross the beautiful Bridge of Dreams and enjoy a gradual uphill railroad grade from Princeton along mountain meadows and through wooded forests. Experience the beautiful countryside full of wildlife, birds, trees and flowers. Don’t forget to stop at Swan Lake Bird Sanctuary, just off the KVR, 2 km outside of Princeton.